Pages

Sunday, August 28, 2011

Sharon Briss: Attracted to Magnets? Still Time to Join In!

We've got a great Art Exchange going right now! The idea is to make some magnetic art with some "encouraging words". Basically, we are asking you to create some words to live by that are set into some gorgeous art that you can stick to your refrigerator door or magnetic bulletin board.

There are so many different ways you can go with this kind of art. We've asked that each piece be at least 2" x 2" and include some stamping and more than one layer. Sounds hard? Not at all. Check out some of the pieces I've put together. I am a simple stamper at heart so while each piece has more than one layer, they are all pretty quick and easy to assemble.

In the following post, I've used several different magnetic options including:
~ magnetic strip which is available in rolls at craft and stationery/office supply stores
~ magnetic business card backs available at stationery/office supply stores available in packs or as sheets usually in the label section
~ magnetic sheets which are printer-friendly available at stationery/office supply stores
~ magnetic acrylic photo frames available at craft stores and places like the Christmas Tree Shop

Of course, a lot of these types of magnets are available through online sources such as big retailers like Amazon.

To create my magnets, I used the same formula that I use for creating ATC's. A long, long time ago, I did a tutorial on creating ATCs for the ATCphobic where I broke down the process into 5 simple steps - select background, choose image, create some texture, add verbiage and finally composition. So, I just followed my own advice to create the following fun magnets!

The simplest magnetic art to make is to use the precut magnetic business cards or the magnetic acrylic frames. The business card backs come in the exact right size to support a 2.5"x3.5" ATC. So ATC away and then slap some magnetic support to the back. My tip would be to create your base from cardboard, chipboard or poster board if you want to use a full ATC size. The business card backs are 2" x 3.5". I just slimmed down my ATCs.

The beauty of this type of magnetic backing is that you don't really have to change your art. You can just magnetize it.

Stamps: Stampers Anonymous (sentiment), River City Rubber Works
(sentiment) and Rogue Redhead (background).

I also like using magnetic acrylic frames. I found a ton of different sizes of these little gems at the Christmas Tree shop.

I was excited that they had 2.5" x 3.5" and immediately put some of my favorite ATCs on display on my fridge, where they have resided ever since.

For this new set of magnets, I used a different size - 2"x 2". Yup, that's right! They come in twinchie size! I made a quick reinker background, stamped a sentiment and added some designer paper scraps to the corners. Here's how they turned out!

Stamps: Rubber Tree and A Muse.

For the more adventurous, you can try the more flexible style that magnetic sheets make possible. I love these sheets as it allows me the freedom to make my magnetic creation any shape I want! Isn't that fun?

You can go simple as I did with this little tag. I created a polished stone background, stamped this tag image overtop and adhered to the magnetic sheet with Tombo. I then cut the tag out along the predefined stamped outline. A great thing about magnetic sheet is that it is thin, not only making it easy to cut but also easy to punch. I added an eyelet and some ribbon for a finishing touch!

Stamp: Invoke Arts

You can also try a little out of the box styling as I did with this piece. I kept most of the piece contained within my polished stone background, but for fun I let the parts of the woman's hat go beyond the border.

Here's what it looks like once it's all cut out.

Stamp: Above the Mark. Collage Images: Dezinaworld.

With magnetic sheet, you can also get a full custom shape. I started with a collage image and a sentiment I liked.

I assembled the whole piece on my magnetic sheet and then just cut it out. The sheet cuts easily so you can get great detail.

Stamp: Rubber Tree. Collage Image: Dezina World.

I also like the magnetic strip that comes in a roll. I used some to create a 4"x4" magnet out of a chipboard coaster.

First, I found my background, a distress ink smooshed background and a couple of collage images I thought would fit the bill.

I then stamped a border and a cosmos blossom in a deeper color distress ink and over-stamped the whole thing with a text background. I adhered this to my coaster by running the background through my Xyron, I added my images and sanded the edges.

Then, I got down to adding the magnets. I unrolled the strip to get a good measurement, cut it, and after pulling off the adhesive backing, added it to my coaster back.

Here's how it came out:

Stamps: Rogue Redhead. Collage Images: Dezinaworld.

If you are a mixed media artist and want to get some dimension going, magnetic strips the way to go. I transformed a tiny wooden clipboard into a fun fridge magnet in a flash.

Once I got the background stamped, adhered and sanded around the edges, I added my collage image onto which I stamped my sentiment. A tip if you are using these cute little clipboards: you can bend the clip so that it will lie flat on the back which is important for magnetic art.

Stamps: Alpha Stamps and Stampington. Collage Image: Paper Whimsy.

So there you go! I hope I have given you enough ideas so that you can start on your own magnetic art!

Here are the details for the art exchange. Come on.....you know you want to join in!

SpecificsMedia: fridge magnet - minimum size 2" x 2" and maximum 4"x4"; can be any shape
Theme: Encouraging Words
Style: Any but must include some stamping and be more than one layer, not including magnet
Number of Pieces: 4 unique for 4 unique
Sign-Ups/Withdrawals: by September 1, 2011
Due Date: September 15, 2011

In order to participate in the exchange, you will need to become a member of the Yahoo Group, so that we can maintain proper communication. The membership process, including a short questionnaire, is quick and easy. Once you've requested membership, be sure to look for your questionnaire in your email and return it to us ASAP so that we can process your request!

Oh, hello there such great inspiration on what you have made with magnets. I am wanting to create a magnet art piece now! I would love for you to join my crafty spot & invite you to add your post to Mr. Linky. I also have a craft community there where we share ideas! Pop on by if you can. I will be undergoing design changes & then having lots of fun going on. xo Theresamy craft blog: DearCreatives.com & thanks for visiting my art blog btw

Other Articles Which May Interest You:

We've Moved!

After 3 wonderful years of Gingersnap Creations, the Founding Femmes and Gingers are off on new adventures!

As of April 2012, Gingersnap Creations has transformed into a new blogozine, Unruly PaperArts, complete with tutorials, interviews, reviews, and unruly art and articles by our regular columnists and guest contributors. Come play our monthly Reader Art Quests and have your art featured in the next issue of UPA.